Case Study 4: Diego’s Global Guidelines

Diageo’s ‘Thriving Through Menopause’ Global Guideline

Overview

• Initiated: 2023 – Ongoing
• Provider: Diageo
• Target Group: Women employees, line managers, and colleagues

Goal:

To promote awareness, reduce stigma, and embed menopause as a workplace topic. Diageo aimed to build an inclusive culture by offering supportive resources and flexible work policies for employees navigating menopause, while equipping managers to respond sensitively.

Key Actions

• Identified menopause as a critical workplace issue often left unaddressed.
• Formed a global working group with the Spirited Women’s Network to co-develop the guidelines.
• Launched the “Thriving Through Menopause” guidelines in multiple countries, with plans for global rollout.
• Created resources for both employees and managers to foster understanding.
• Provided practical support: flexible work options, counselling, and mindfulness tools.
• Aligned the initiative with Diageo’s Society 2030: Spirit of Progress strategy.

Impact

• Fostered open dialogue and reduced stigma
• Rolled out guidelines across multiple countries (UK, Ireland, US, Canada, Virgin Islands)
• Improved support structures, e.g. time-off policies and wellness services
• Enhanced Diageo’s reputation for inclusive leadership (e.g. No. 1 UK company for female leadership in 2020)

Lesson Learned:

• Embedding lived experience into policy design ensures relevance and cultural adaptability across regions.

Success Factors

• Strong backing from employee-led networks and executive leadership
• Alignment with company-wide DEI and sustainability goals
• Flexibility and mental health infrastructure
• Localisation and adaptation based on employee feedback
• Strategic integration with long-term corporate commitments

Sustainability

• Anchored in Diageo’s “Society 2030” sustainability plan
• Designed for scalability and adaptability across different markets
• Supported by continuous employee engagement and awareness campaigns
• Regular updates and feedback loops to ensure relevance
• Integrated into long-term inclusion and wellbeing strategies